Villa fell Forest to ease pain of Arsenal rout

Aston Villa secured a 3-1 victory against struggling Nottingham Forest at Villa Park on Saturday, softening the blow of their midweek thrashing by Arsenal and overtaking Manchester City for second spot in the Premier League.

Ollie Watkins scored just before the break to give Unai Emerys team a well earned advantage, while John McGinn added another shortly after the restart.

Morgan Gibbs White managed a consolation for the visitors, but McGinn capitalised on a lapse by Forest keeper John Victor to make it 3-1.

Villas remarkable run of 11 successive wins across all tournaments ended abruptly with a 4-1 loss at the Emirates on Tuesday, casting uncertainty over their title aspirations.

However, their strong home form at Villa Park stays unbroken, with 11 consecutive victories since an August 3-0 reverse against Crystal Palace.

On a chilly afternoon in Birmingham, Villa pressed early and nearly scored when Victor blocked a close range effort from Watkins with his legs.

Sean Dyches Forest, mired in a trio of defeats, found it hard to settle, yet Villa could not convert their control in a lacklustre opening period.

The visitors threatened with their initial effort on goal as Emi Martinez stretched to parry Omari Hutchinsons attempt.

Nevertheless, the prolific Watkins broke the deadlock in the dying seconds of the half, where Villa held almost 80 percent of the ball.

The England forward took a pass from Morgan Rogers beyond the box and rifled it in for his fourth strike in three outings.

McGinn made it two in the 49th minute, volleying home from a Matty Cash delivery.

Villa seemed set for a comfortable win, but Gibbs White pulled one back in the 61st with a deft chip over the onrushing Martinez.

Villa restored their cushion in the 73rd when Victor oddly left his line to chase a lofted ball from Youri Tielemans, despite cover from his backline.

The Scottish playmaker gathered possession, evaded Victor, and calmly slotted into the unguarded goal with his left from distance.

This result puts Villa on 42 points, trailing leaders Arsenal by three and leading City by one.

Arsenal travel to Bournemouth later Saturday, as Peps side without a manager face Chelsea at home on Sunday.

Forest hover just above the drop zone, four clear of West Ham, who take on Wolves later today.